President Ferdinand Marcos stated that there is no need to pass additional laws to prohibit offshore gambling, internet gambling, and other offshore gambling operations in the Philippines.
During a break at an event in Parañaque City, Marcos told reporters that issuing an Executive Order (EO) to immediately prohibit Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), Internet Gambling License holders (IGL), and other offshore gambling license holders was "sufficient."
Marcos also emphasized that casinos or integrated resorts operated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) cannot engage in offshore gambling.
Marcos assured that he emphasized they are "not under the jurisdiction of PAGCOR."
"What we are banning is the nature of this business, which simply does not work. It's not about whether it belongs to PAGCOR. As long as it's a POGO, or anything similar, it's banned," he said.
Previously, Senator Risa Hontiveros stated that the executive order terminating POGO had loopholes that might allow them to continue operations through casinos operated by PAGCOR, licensed casinos, or integrated resorts with intermediary agreements.
According to Executive Order No. 74 signed by Marcos on November 5, the ban on POGO/IGL and other offshore gambling operations also includes illegal offshore gambling activities, license applications, license renewals, and cessation of operations.
